— Are you alright? — Ting asked as she sat down on the edge of the cushioned bed.

  The situation seemed a bit too strange for her. She had felt Noah's palm tremble for most of the walk, especially when they drew near the home of the one who introduced himself as Undric Radiance, and for the fact that neither of them had spoken a word the whole time.

  I thought they were close, weren't they? Why does it seem like he didn't want to come back here?

  Her palm slid across the white sheet, waiting for a response that never came.

  No, if he didn't want to come here, I doubt anything in this town could have forced him. So what is the reason?

  — I'm not sure. — Noah clenched his fist, questioning the source of the discomfort that seemed to prick within and slowly began to fade. — I also have something to do here, so please wait a bit longer. Once everything is finished, we can leave if you want. To wherever you'd like.

  It was still strange. The reaction, the way words were spoken, everything felt oddly out of place with each other. Still, Ting nodded.

  She let herself fall onto the bed, then slid towards the pillow.

  What did he mean by "I'm not sure"...? She turned, but kept watching him with her eyes. Is there really a problem with this place?

  She watched Noah circle the bed and unfold the blanket beside her.

  — Even though this place wasn't much affected, it's still a bit cold due to the little Qi that spread around. Better to cover up just in case, — he said, covering her. He had noticed some servants wearing warmer clothes on the way to the bedroom, so he was sure, even though such temperature didn't bother him.

  — I won't get sick from something like this.

  — I know. If that was the case, it would've happened back in the forest, — he said as he slid under the blanket, moving closer. — But I prefer to be a little bit careful when I can.

  — And I suppose that's why you're hugging me with that cold body of yours.

  Wrapping his arms around her, Noah pressed their bodies as close as possible. He paused with his face close to her hair. He wanted to feel her scent and warmth. If he were to stay up all night, this would be the best way.

  The two closed their eyes and didn't sleep. They did share something, after all. The inability was mutual.

  They could hear the people around, the wind beating against the trees, rustling leaves and branches, as if they could feel the very passage of time that took the night away and returned the yellow sphere illuminating everything from the heavens above.

  Ting blinked, noticing the golden glow squeezing through the gap under the door. It didn't reach her, but she could feel its warmth even at a distance.

  She closed her eyes, forcing them shut.

  One more day...! She cried to herself, letting the small smile spread across her face.

  Being immersed in the darkness, she thought maybe her mind could be fooled and she'd end up falling asleep for good. That's why, before the end, only Noah's breath on her neck and the squeeze of his hug kept her anchored in the thought that she was still awake.

  — What happ-!

  Noah jumped up, leaning over her and turning her so he could see her face. He had noticed the sudden change in Ting's heartbeat, so he checked without thinking much, just to find her in tears.

  — Sorry, I didn't...— he looked at the door. But, to his eyes, there was nothing special there. It took him a bit to realize the reason behind the seemingly sudden reaction.

  He smiled, feeling foolish. Then, with gentle touches, he wiped the tears from Ting's face.

  — Do you want to go for a walk outside?

  She nodded.

  — Alright, but how about you have a piece of cake first, to calm down?

  She accepted the suggestion; in fact, she ended up eating three pieces before deciding to get up. She just didn't see the need to do it on Noah's lap, though she hadn't refused. So he sat with his chin on her shoulder and, from time to time, wiped away anything sticking to her face. Still, eating like that was a bit embarrassing, even though they were alone in the room. Though, to him, it seemed almost perfect.

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  He averted his eyes, looking at the door again. He knew something was drawing near. That made him feel somewhat anxious, his heart skipping beats.

  — Are you ready?

  As Ting put away the leftovers in the spatial pouch, she swallowed the last piece.

  — Yes.

  She was about to stand, but Noah's arms around her waist wouldn't allow it. Her words said one thing, yet he seemed hesitant to leave the space for reasons Ting couldn't grasp.

  And this, after I'd told him he should always be as straightforward as possible, because it would be easier for me to understand...

  She sighed.

  After touching his hands, but without trying to force him to move, she seemed to make him give in. However, she didn't get up.

  Ting reconsidered in silence for a moment.

  — You don't have to come with me if you'd rather stay here. I'll just be out for a bit, so— but the tightening of his embrace told her that wasn't a real option. — Alright, let's stay here a little longer then.

  — No, let's go now. — He pulled her close, pressing their bodies together. The feeling was unpleasant, but Noah knew Ting wasn't to blame.

  He helped her to her feet, then stood up himself.

  Ting stood still, uncertain about which path to take, after all, she didn't know what the problem was.

  In turn, Noah led the way and opened the door for her, letting the sun create a path through the entrance.

  — Shall we?

  Despite the uncertainty, she went ahead. The light warmed her feet, making her reassure herself that this was real.

  The servants roamed a bit ahead and the wind swayed, both the grass and the tree in front, bringing the scent of the leaves to her.

  Ting could have walked down the covered wooden hallway, but she didn't want to feel the sun only on her feet. The day before, it was one of the first things to greet her as she stretched, making her feel alive. She wanted to feel that again, so she ran for the grass, where life's purest flow would be under her feet and the most intense glow would surround her whole body.

  It was wonderful.

  — Do you feel calmer now?

  — Mm-hmm...— she smiled. Even knowing it was a false perception, Ting felt as if she could sense life by touching those flowers, and because of that they seemed more beautiful than ever. — Will you want to go back to the room for a while longer, or shall we head straight into town?

  — Hmm, despite the question, I think you've already made up your mind, haven't you?

  Ting smiled as she stood up. She tucked her hair behind her ear and walked in the same direction as the wind, with Noah following close behind.

  — What day is it today, do you know? Then again, the city's calendar must be different, since this place is so far from the others.

  Noah shook his head.

  — I've not been here long either, honestly. I don't even know the name of this place, or if it has one, — he admitted. — I got here a few days before I met you, and didn't have time to find that sort of thing out.

  A few days... Ting glanced at him for a moment, but looked away when noticed, leaving Noah confused. So he hadn't had time to form any connection to people here, since he'd always been with me these past days. But that man, Undric, mentioned something about Noah saving his daughter. I suppose that's what makes it possible for not only him to stay but for him to bring me too. But, a daughter...

  Her eyes followed the same path and were immediately noticed.

  Noah took her hand, walking by her side.

  He was referring to a child, right?

  Subtle lines appeared as she furrowed her brow.

  — Tell me the truth, is there anyone else here for you besides me? — she suddenly asked, surprised by her own boldness.

  One of Noah's eyebrows lifted, as if he didn't quite understand the question.

  — For me...? — he reflected for a moment, then smiled as he realized what she meant with those words. — Is that jealousy?

  Noah teased, even though he knew the answer was unlikely to be positive.

  Remaining silent, Ting averted her gaze, glancing at their surroundings. As important as the matter was, she wasn't interested enough to push it further.

  — No, there's no one else, — he replied, accepting that his words weren't reaching her as he'd hoped. — Are you happy now?

  — Happy...?

  If it's true, that would be good, Ting considered.

  — Well, maybe.

  They passed through the gate and Ting felt Noah's grip on her hand tighten.

  She followed his gaze and soon spotted a white-haired figure ahead.

  The world shook before her eyes. It reformed, restoring itself with no strange trace left behind.

  Ting could hear Noah's heart skipping beats in an odd and unique rhythm.

  If it's true...

  She sighed.

  — Are you alright?

  — What...?

  When their eyes met, she noticed Noah's heartbeat returned to normal.

  Weird...

  In her eyes, it didn't seem to be mere physical attraction. So, even though she was concerned about the situation, in a way, Ting was also curious.

  Do both of us trigger some kind of reaction in him, so are we the same in Noah's eyes?

  — N-No, it's nothing important. Let's keep going.

  'It's nothing important...' She let a small smile slip, filled more with relief than mere security. So we're not the same after all... or would he say the same to her if the situation were reversed?

  But that didn't seem to be the case for her. Noah's trembling voice and brief moment of distance, in Ting's eyes, seemed to cause genuine confusion in him. It was something she wasn't even sure he was aware of.